park visitors hike to their destination and
whatever they bring into the forest must
come back out with them. There are four
three-sided shelters with roofs and wood
floors that can sleep six people without a
tent. There are also 20 backcountry tent
sites open year-round. There are no amenities provided to backcountry campers, so
be prepared for a rustic adventure.

The Harmsen Ranch Guest House also
includes an outdoor deck with a gas grill.
There is a large corral area with room for
eight horses, making the ranch a unique
spot for equestrians who are looking for
overnight facilities that also can accommodate their horses. There are also two electrical RV sites located near the corral that
are available to rent with the house rental.

Keep checking the Web site for updates
as they open additional guest houses in
the coming years.

LOCATION

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

92 Crawford Gulch Rd.

Golden, CO 80403

The park can be accessed via Gap Road
from Highway 119, or up Golden Gate
Canyon Road off of Highway 93.

MUELLER STATE PARK

Nestled in the Pikes Peak region of
Colorado, Muller State Park is a 5,000-
acre playground for wildlife watchers and
winter enthusiasts.

THE SETTING

Located west of Colorado Springs in
Divide, CO, Mueller State Park is full of
colorful history and cultural heritage.
Pioneers settled the lands in the mid-19th
century after Ute Indians had hunted the
grounds for centuries. Colorado’s Gold
Rush came right through this park to the
small towns of Cripple Creek and Victor.

With over 50 miles of trails, outdoorenthusiasts are sure to enjoy the beautifullandscapes and quiet surroundings ofMueller State Park.

Mueller State Park is an outdoor oasis
because of its natural forest setting. Many
visitors enjoy the Watchable Wildlife
area where mule deer, elk, black bears
and hawks are regularly sighted.

With more than 50 miles of trails, Mueller
is ideal for horseback riding, snowshoeing
and cross-country skiing. The trails vary in
length and difficulty, so there’s something for
everyone, depending on your ability and
desire. The trails are not groomed during
the winter, so be sure to plan accordingly.
The variety of terrain provides exciting
opportunities for snow tubing and sled riding when there is sufficient snow.

For visitors who enjoy hunting, Mueller State
Park is located in Big Game Unit 581.
There are 800 acres adjoining the Dome
Rock State Wildlife Area open for hunting
during designated seasons established by
the Colorado Wildlife Commission.

THE FACILITY

Enjoy Mueller’s uncrowded trails in thewinter and stay at one of 16 electricalcampsites. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, these sites are located inRevenuer’s Ridge Campground withaccess to modern bathrooms and vaulttoilets. When accessible, a dry dumpstation is also available to campers.

For a cozy, rustic experience, visitors can
stay in one of three camper cabins at
Mueller State Park. Located in the shadow
of Pikes Peak, these cabins offer a fully
equipped kitchen and bath, high vaulted
ceilings, an indoor gas fireplace, custom
furnishings and an outdoor deck with a
gas barbeque grill. The cabins are all
different sizes—the two-bedroom Pine
Cabin can accommodate four guests, the
three-bedroom Spruce Cabin can sleep
six, and the four-bedroom Ponderosa
cabin can accommodate eight visitors.

CAMPING TIPS

• Pets are not permitted in the cabins, on
the trails or in the backcountry because
the area is a designated Watchable
Wildlife area.

• Visit the historic mining towns of Victor
and Cripple Creek, located just 15 miles
south of the park on Highway 67. You
can take a mine tour, pan for gold or ride
on the narrow gauge railroad.

• Extend your trip to the Pikes Peak region
by visiting Eleven Mile and Spinney
Mountain State Parks. Fishing conditions are great at both parks and they
are conveniently located near Mueller
State Park.